Overview
Iris germanica 'Mer du Sud' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Iris germanica 'Mer du Sud' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens.
About
Iris × germanica is the accepted name for a species of flowering plants in the family Iridaceae commonly known as the bearded iris or the German bearded iris. It is of hybrid origin.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iris × germanica
About the genus
Iris takes its name from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, and for once the naming feels entirely earned. I can't think of another genus that covers so much ground — inky purples, burnt apricots, clean whites, blues that seem lit from inside — or so many situations. There are bearded irises that want their rhizomes baked in full sun, Siberian types happy in ordinary border soil, and species that will sit contentedly at the edge of a pond. What they share is the flower: three petals standing up, three falling away, built with a kind of architectural confidence most plants never attempt. Even out of bloom the foliage earns its place — those upright fans of blue-green leaves hold a border together for months. I grow them for the fortnight in May and June when nothing else in the garden can compete, and I've made my peace with that. Some plants are for the long haul. An iris is an event.
Written by Henry
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iris
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Iris germanica 'Mer du Sud' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Flower borders and beds, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris germanica 'Mer du Sud'
- Propagation
- Division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Thrips
- Disease resistance
- Aphid-borne viruses, Bacterial soft rot, Grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris germanica 'Mer du Sud'?
Iris germanica 'Mer du Sud' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Iris germanica 'Mer du Sud' need?
Iris germanica 'Mer du Sud' grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Iris germanica 'Mer du Sud' grow?
Iris germanica 'Mer du Sud' reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Iris germanica 'Mer du Sud' hardy in the UK?
Iris germanica 'Mer du Sud' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Iris germanica 'Mer du Sud'?
Division.
More in the Iris genus
- Iris 'Antigone' (TB)
- Iris 'Dauntless' (TB)
- Iris 'Dipped in Dots' (TB)
- Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB)
- Iris 'After the Storm' (TB)
- Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB)
- Iris 'Alene's New Love' (SDB)iris 'Alene's New Love'
- Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)